Although there is no standard for establishing a gluten-free designation for topical skin care products, independent laboratory testing confirms that this formula surpasses the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) ingestible standards and can therefore be considered gluten-free.

gluten-free

Formulated without animal-derived ingredients

vegan

Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors

no artificial fragrances and colors

Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and PETA

cruelty-free

benefits

Washes away impurities without stripping or drying.

Calming agents help soothe and purify skin.

how to use

Following the application of PreCleanse, gently lather a small amount of gel in moistened hands and apply to dampened face and throat. Rinse with warm water. Follow with Multi-Active Toner and prescribed Dermalogica Moisturizer.

quick tip

Use with Exfoliating Face Brush for a dual-action exfoliating cleanse.

Dermalogica is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy of the ingredient lists on this website. However, because ingredients are subject to change, we cannot guarantee that these lists are complete, up-to-date and/or error-free. For an accurate listing of ingredients in each product, please refer to your product packaging.

how it works

All Dermalogica products are made in the USA and are free of artificial fragrances, artificial colors, drying S.D. alcohol, and ingredients like Mineral Oil – all of which are known to exacerbate common skin concerns. With cutting-edge formulas and powerful ingredients, you can be assured you’re giving your skin what it needs to be healthy, and stay healthy, for a lifetime. Maximize your product results! Use Dermalogica products as prescribed by your Face Mapping® skin analysis, available only from a Dermalogica Professional Skin Therapist.

This was the worst cleanser I could've ever used on my skin

1

I'm sad writing this because I really wanted to give Dermalogica a try, all of my friends and family raved about this product, but after trying it for a month or so my skin was in flames and breaking out like I've never seen it before. I went to Ulta for a facial and they used the special cleansing gel on my skin, after a couple of hours I could feel my skin beginning to sting and feel super hot, much to my dismay a patch of red dots broke out all over my face. The lady who gave me my facial said this product would change my skin for the better, I've never had really bad skin just breakouts here and then, my skin is definitely in the range of combination skin, It's also very sensitive so using this product didn't help this matter. After giving this cleanser a try I'm horribly disappointed with this product, it pains me to write this but if you have skin that is remotely sensitive at all and are prone to breakouts this cleanser isn't the one to use. I now use Image Skincare and that is truly the skin product that changed my skin to the clean and fresh look I wanted, sorry Dermalogica but I believe that your products are just too harsh, I would definitely say that you should start branding a better cleanser for people like me with sensitive skin and not so harsh on skin. I spent over $200.00 on Dermalogica products and truly will never make that mistake again.

Gab

Wyckoff, NJ

2019-02-13

false

Wash Your Face with Special Cleansing Gel Only!

5

This Special Cleansing Gel is gentle and yet cleans all surface impurities. A small amount creates a large amount of foam. I've used this face cleanser for a number of years and it has helped keep my skin clean and soft. It doesn't dry the skin and ,therefore, form what I see there is less chance of wrinkles developing.

Cardabello27

New Jersey

2019-02-12

true

ya. not so good for me

1

I've heard good things about this (even from my esthetician,) but this is definitely not for my skin. I do love the texture but I follow this with the super daily exfoliant by dermalogica. Either this was breaking my skin or the exfoliant. Either way, it's a no for me with this brand.

AL

Raleigh, NC

2019-02-12

false

Soothing cleanser

5

This is a great cleanser to use in-between your other more intense Dermalogica cleansers, and after any professional peels or microdermabrasion. Gentle for my acne-prone skin. Not for use on your eyes though, like the preclense or Ultracalming cleanser, which you can use to remove eye makeup.

chiz

Easton, PA

2019-02-12

true

Best facial products

5

I use this cleanser every time I wash my face. I have very sensitive skin and it works without making my face irritated and red. My face feels clean, I have less breakouts and I honestly can't say anything bad about this product. I really love all the Dermalogical line of products.

SmileeJo

Minneapolis, MN

2019-02-12

true

My new Holy Grail!

5

I have searched my whole life for a skin care line that worked! This is it! I have spent thousands of dollars on high end products and drug store products. I have combination skin, slightly more on the oily side. I am also prone to adult acne. But this cleanser...this cleanser right here...literally cleared my face up in less than a week. I had a horrible breakout from trying an all natural line and this cleared it all up. I will always use this line. Buy the starter kit and give it a try. It is the best!

Andrea

Topeka, KS

2019-02-12

true

5 stars for product/ 2 stars on shipment

5

I've recently become aware of this line and have purchased several products of which I'm pleased with. They are performing as expected and I'll continue to purchase, however at the price point I suggest Dermalogica consider amending it's packaging on liquid contents such as the cleanser. I purchased the special cleanser and opened the package on the day it was delivered only to find that the cap was not secured properly causing my product to leak. I contacted Dermalogica and a very friendly representative advised me they'd be happy to send me a replacement. I discarded the product and anxiously awaited for my replacement. Much to my surprise I experienced the same outcome when the replacement package was delivered. I really encourage you all to consider placing a sal and a screw cap on the bottle and to just include the pump separately. I don't plan to call again to report a second concern, but I'm also considering not purchasing items that are not in a sealed tube.

Jowilli

Baltimore

2019-02-11

false

Perfect Wash

5

I don't deal with breakouts so this wash is perfect. It is light and smells great. I love the big bottle option with the pump to throw in the shower. This is the staple cleanser in my regime.

Holly

Iowa

2019-02-07

true

Love - been using for years

5

Was first introduced to Dermalogica by my facialist. Never looked back. It's been my cleanser for years. Give you a fresh feeling, the gel texture soaps up nicely with water. Would def recommend

Hello ,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Special Cleansing Gel is a mild cleanser that will deep clean without stripping your skin. You only need the size of a pea, and its safe to use over the eyes. It is for oily, normal, or combination skin.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette

2019-02-11

Bernadette

Is it okay to use on the body

Cfran

2019-01-27

Hello ,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. This cleanser is made for the face.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette

2019-02-13

Bernadette

I started using The Special Cleansing Gel and have noticed my cheeks feel dry and are a little flakey. I am wondering if I should switch to The Ultra Calming Cleanser. I am using Active Moist as moisturizer.

Emily

2019-01-23

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Special Cleansing Gel is a mild cleanser that will deep clean without stripping your skin. You only need the size of a pea, and its safe to use over the eyes. It is for oily, normal, or combination skin. It is very concentrated. If you feel dry and flaky, perhaps you are using too much. Try using less. If that does not help, then try Ultra Calming Cleanser.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette

2019-02-11

Bernadette

I have recently been using the special cleansing gel am/pm and have been happy, but now looking to alternate with other cleansers to help my oily and pimple-prone skin. I was thinking of using the Special cleansing gel in the morning, the clearing skin wash at night, and using the dermal clay cleanser a 2-3 times a week.
Would this be ok or would it be best to switch and use a oil-targeting cleanser in the morning (as I am more concerned with reducing oil during the day)?

Ash

2019-01-13

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Try Dermal Clay Cleanser or Clearing Skin Wash in the morning. Double cleanse at night with Precleanse and Special Cleansing Gel.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette

2019-02-07

Bernadette

Hi, I'm 21 year old. My skin very oily around T zone, and normal around the cheek. I got a couple of pimples and I had big pores also blackheads. What's your recommendation products? Thank you

Hi there,
Does this cleanser have parabens in it? If so will Dermalogica be able to formulate it without it?

Allie

2018-12-25

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. We have removed parabens from the formula due to consumer demand.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette

2019-01-08

Bernadette

Hi there,
I'm 18 years old, have oily-combination skin but have a lot of blemishes and redness and a few pimples, probably damage due to wearing makeup daily. I recently purchased the skin clearing wash but I was wondering what regime would be best? I just want nice glowing, healthy and pimple-free skin:) I wear makeup because I don't feel confident or comfortable with my face always looking like this. Thank you for your help :)

Sarah

2018-12-19

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. I am so happy to help! Try this regimen:
AM
Clearing Skin Wash
Multi Active Toner
Calm Water Gel
PM
Precleanse
Clearing Skin Wash
Daily Microfoliant
Multi Active Toner
Calm Water Gel
Try that and in about 6 weeks, we can add a mask and SPF. I do not want to overwhelm your skin.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette

2019-01-09

Bernadette

Hi there I had some questions about the speacial cleansing gel. I have a young daughter in need of a cleanser and I was wondering if it is child safe and she Is 11 years old. By the way I tried this product out and loved it so that's why my daughter asked me.

Ruby Ayrn

2018-12-13

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Yes, she can use Special Cleansing Gel and Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette

2019-01-08

Bernadette

I have dehydrated, combination skin. I currently use Essential Cleansing Solution but my skin is really "moist" afterwards. I am considering switching to Special Cleansing Gel, but, being dehydrated at times, would the gel suck the moisture out of my face? Would my skin still be supple after using it? I wear heavy makeup and use pre-cleanse at night before ECS. I work out in the AM and cleanse with ECS. Should I be using SCG? Thank you!

Nic

2018-11-29

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. You can use Special Cleansing Gel in the morning and Essential Cleansing Solution at night.
Kind Regards,
Bernadette